A Ball For All - Stavros Niarchos Foundation

A group of children sit on an indoor basketball court and watch a young boy who is blindfolded and under the guidance of the coach is preparing to shoot with a soccer ball at other balls placed in the form of bowling baskets

Source: Youthorama

Soccer is one of the games most widely played and enjoyed by young people around the world. However, some children, such as children who are blind or visually impaired, do not have this opportunity. Or rather, they haven’t had the opportunity until very recently.

The nonprofit Youthorama came up with a very simple solution: a lightweight soccer ball with bells inside, which it named “a ball for all.” The ball, which was funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), and the educational program developed by the organization will be presented at an event that was held as part of the 84th Thessaloniki International Fair on Sunday, September 8.

As part of the program implemented with the support of SNF in schools throughout Greece, the special ball is distributed free of charge, along with educational materials. The aim is to help children with visual impairments in schools, especially in Physical Education classes, and to inform and raise awareness among students and teachers.

SNF supports a variety of programs that promote social integration through sports. A great example is the FutbolNet program, which uses sport activities to bring together young people living in refugee hosting centers with children living in local communities.